Vaz, competing in the men's standing category, scored 18.16 points - boosted by securing an almost-perfect score of 9.83 on one wave.

Compatriot Jonathan Borba was second in the classification with 12.67.

Davi Teixeira is another Brazilian impressing - his heat total of 13.00 was second only to American Jose Martinez in the men's prone competition.

"Being at this World Championship, I’ve learned that we all have different stories and situations, but we have this shared connection through surfing," Martinez said.

“My goal is a lot more than just winning the event. 

"I would love to get first place, but I am just here to make sure that everyone else is having as great of a time as I’m having.

“We all get into tough situations, but the way we come out of it is what makes us who we are.”

Australia's Sam Bloom looked dominant in the women's prone category - while no other surfer amassed 10 - points in a heat, she finished with 15.33.

Thirteen-year-old Faith Lennox of the US led the way for the standing women, scoring 10.43.

The men's visually impaired competition also got underway, with Spain's Aitor Francesena topping the scoring with 16.90.

American Joshua Loya is second, 3.60 back, and Kirk Watson of Australia has 11.07 to occupy third place.

Competition is set to continue tomorrow and come to an end on Saturday.